Method of and means for removing fuse ferrules



- July v2" .1935- E. MONTAGUE 2,006,547

METHOD OF ND MEANS FOR REMOVING FUSE FERRULES Filed June 2l, 1955 v 2 Shf-zeJcs-SheefI l I July 2, 1935. E. MONTAGUE 2,006,647

u y METHOD OF AND-MEANS FOR REMOVING FUSE FERRULES Filed June 2l, 1955 A 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 J7? ven i401@ y kPatented July 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD OF AND IVIEAN S FOR REMOVING FUSE FERRULES Edward Montagna Chicago, Ill., assignor to Schweitzer & Conrad, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application June 21, 1933, Serial No. 676,918

33 Claims. (Cl. 2li-88.2)

This invention relatesto a method of and One feature of the invention resides in the means for removing fuse ferrules, and is more economy produced by the saving of the fuel particularly directed to a method and apparatus provided by the use of the present method, since Afor yremoving metallic ferrules'from the glass the gas flames are intensified for heating pur- 5 fuse container or fuse tube without damaging poses only at such time as they are placed in a 5 either the ferrule or fuse tube, and also effecting position directly playing on the ferrules. At all the saving of the alloy used for sealing the end other times, only small maintenance or pilot of the glass tube into the ferrule, so that the flames are provided at the jet. Also, since the Valloy may be again used for this purpose. In jets are automatically released when the alloy l the manufacture of fuses of the type to which becomes softened to such a degree as to permit 10 my invention is peculiarly applicable, a glass withdrawal of the fuse tubes under the influence sleeve is employed to form the main part of the of the tension means, only enough heat is appontainer or housing; It has a ferrule mounted plied t0 effect release 0f the ferrule, and C011- upon each end by means of a fused alloy metal sequently the danger of overheating is removed.

seal, which is poured into the v,annular cylin- Another feature of the invention is provided 15 drical space between thefend of the glass sleeve by the'uniform tension applied upon the fuse and the inner periphery of the ferrule. This tube, and theeven heating accompanied by seal, without the molecular union with either automatic release of the tube upon fusion of the brass ferrule or the glass' sleeve, forms a the alley, Which Substantially eliminates the rigid fluid-tight joint; After the fuses are breakage of the fuse tubes during the removal 20 blown'it is customary to return them `to the process, since the strains imposed thereon are factory for reiilling and re-fusing. constant, and no additional strains are imposed In considering the removal of fuse ferrules in attempting t0 remove the ferrule. p from fuse tubes and the 1ike, it has been custo- The invention also has for one of its objects mary heretofore to provide apparatus for aethe elimination of the remachining of the inner 25 cemplishing this. result; wmchrhandles only a surface of the ferrule after its removal from single fuse at a time.l As a result, the process the fuse tube. This is accomplished by having `has been slow and costly. other disadvantages the alley come out of the ferrule in large pieces, present in priorvmethods of removing ferrules due t0 even heating of the ferrule and .the

from fuse tubes have been the necessity of reprevention of overheating thereof, Whereas for- 30 machining the inner surface of the ferrule to merly this allOy WaS in the form 0f molten maprovide a smooth even surface therein, since the teiial Within the feilule, and up0n being Iealloy is usually in'a molten condition when the moved in this state left an uneven tinned surferrule is removed, with resultant scrapping of faee- Because 0f this feature, the Scrapping Of y oversize ferrules due to Over-machining thereof, oversized remachined ferrules is materially re- 35 Y and breakage of the glass fuse tubes kdue to duced, and the alloy can also be saved for reuneven strains imposed thereon in attempting melting and uSe in new fuSeS. toremove the ferrules. Further, the present invention possesses dis- In its preferred embodin-lent;1 therefore, the tnCt utility in that il; Can be adjusted t0 Operate e0 present invention is directed to a method and ulJOn different SiZeS and types 0f fuSeS, and is 40 structure for removing fuse ferrules which overnot therefore limited t0 use With Only a Par- .eome these objections, the invention comprising, ticuler type of fuse. Economical operation of in its essential featuresmeans for supporting a the invention l5 e150 DI'OVded, Since a Single plurality of fuse tubes under a desired constant Operator, with a Structure of the present inventension with the ferrules which it is desired tion, can have aplurality of fuses in position for 45 to remove being held in fixed position, Gas heating, while he is at the same time selecting or other suitable heating means are apmere fuSeS fOr the neXt Operatien and removing plied around the outer surface of the ferrules, the alloy from the fuSeS released during the and as the alloy begins to soften, the tension preceding operation. Since release of the fuse 50 means secured to thetubes automatically raises tubes upon fuSiOn Of the alloy iS autOmatC, and 50 the tubes out of the ferrule, and simultaneously the gas jets are simultaneously released, the releases the heating means, which are returned operator can confine his attention to some ancilt-o a position away from the ferrules, the inlary operation during this heating period.

rte'nsity of the flames at ythe same time being Other objects and advantages of the present materially reduced. f invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, will disclose to those skilled in the art the particular ferred embodiment of the present invention, in

whichV the fuses are shown in three different positions;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, showing in detail the counterbalancing means and the gas `iet construction;y and Figure 3 is a top plan view-of the clamp for holding the fuse tubes under the desired tension.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, in Figure 1 I have disclosed a bench orV other suitable supporting means indicated by the numeral 5, which is adapted to be engaged by the base plate or supporting legs 6 of the ferrule removing structure. These supporting legs 6 are spaced at the front and rear portions of the device, and serve to. support a plate member 'I thereon, there being a recessed rectangular open portion 8 disposed between` the legs 6 and the top of the bench 5 and the lower portion of the plate I.

'The plate'l is provided with a raised boss portion 9,;which is adapted to have extending vertically jther-'efrornchannel members I9 of any desired-structural formation, the channel members Illbeing-secured to the boss portion 9 of theplate 'I'byv means of angle brackets I I, which are rigidly secured to the channel I by means of the rivets I2. Extending horizontally across the top of the upstanding channel members I0 are a pair of vcorresponding channel members I3,-as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the members I3 being secured to the members I0 by means of the angle brackets I4, which are rigidly secured to each of the channels I 0 and I3 by means of the rivets I5.

Extending at right angles to the channel members I3, and secured thereto, are angle bracket members I6, the number of said bracket members corresponding to the number of fuses which it is desired to support in a single device. In the present embodiment of the invention, I

, have shown the device as adapted for use with three fuses, although it is to be understood that this number may be varied as desired, depending upon the particular needs of the operator. Each ofthe angle brackets I 6 in addition supports a at bar member I1, which extends transversely thereto and within the channel members I3, as shown in detail in Figure 2. The bracket members I6 are adapted to have threaded thereinto suitable supporting screws I9, which a-re adapted to serve as shafts for cooperating pairs of pulleys 20. `A similar flat bar member 2i is provided at the rear portion of the extending angle brackets I6, and corresponds in general to the bar member II. It will be noted in Figure 2, that the angle bracket I6 extends for a considerable distance rearwardly of the rear horizontal channel member I3, and the second pulley 20 is spaced adjacent the rear extremity of the channel bracket.

Extending over the pulleys 23, and threading through suitable openings formed in the members I'I and 2l, are suitable cables 23, the cable 23 at one end thereof being secured to a suitable supporting bolt member 22, the bolt member 22 being provided with a washer 24 held in position by a nut 25 threaded onto the lower end of the bolt. The cable 23 is passed through a loop 25 formed in the upper end of the bolt member, and has its extending end doubled back and secured to the cable member 23 by means of the securing means 21. Supported upon the bolt 22, and engaging the annular washer 24 for support, are a plurality of weights, indicated generally by the numerals 28 to 32, inclusive, the number of weights carried by the bolt members corresponding to the tension which it is desired to impose upon the fuse tubes to effect their release from the heated ferrules. Further, the number of weights carried by the cable 23 is also determined by the type and size of fuse being used. I will refer hereinafter to the counterweight 28 to designate any desired number of weights.

The other end of the cable 23 passes downwardly over the forward pulley 29, and through the bar member I'I, and is secured at its lower end to a clamp member indicated in general by the reference numeral 35. The lower end of the cable 23 passes through a link 36 carried in an opening 31 formed in the arm'of the clamp 35, and is doubled back and fastened in position by the securing means 38.

Considering now in detail Figure 3, in this figure I have disclosed atop plan view of the clamp, which clamp is provided with the extending arm 35 secured to the cable 23, and which has the substantially4 horizontal portion comprising the two side members 39 and 4D, the member 39 being a continuation of the arm 35, while the member 40 is secured to the arm 39 by means of; the rivet member 4I shown in Figure 3. The arms 39 and 40 are provided with outwardly curved portions 39' and 40', as shown in Figure 3, which are adapted to receive the facing members 42 on their inner surfaces, the facing members being formed of leather, or other suitable material of like characteristics. The facing members are secured to the arms 39 and 40 by means of a plurality of rivets 43 having their inner headed portions countersunk in the facing members.

The outwardly extending end of the arm 39 is provided with a reversely rolled portion indicated at 44, which cooperates with the pin 45 for forming a hinge engagement with a latch lever 4S. The latch lever 46 is adapted to be curved in the manner shown in Figure 3, and has an inwardly extending portion 47 adapted to engage behind the outwardly curved latching portions 48 of the arm 40. This serves to force the members 39 and 40 toward each other, and the facing surfaces 42 thereof are adapted to engage the glass fuse tube 49 securely for frictionally holding the tube in position with respect to the clamp 35. In this manner the counterweight 28 is adapted, through the means of the cable 23, to exert a tension corresponding to its weight upon the glass tube 49, through the intermediary of the clamping member 35.

The glass tube member 49 forms the fuse tube for the fuse, and, as shown in the extreme left hand portion of Figure 1, is ordinarily provided with an upper fuse ferrule indicated at 58, and a lower fuse ferrule indicated at I.

In the ordinary operation of the structure provided by the present invention, three fuses having both of the fuse ferrules secured thereon are clamped by means of the clamp 35 to the cable 23, the clamps being placed immediately below the upper fuse ferrules 50. The lower fuse ferlules are then engaged under the clamping jaw nembers 52, which comprise, preferably, arcuitely shaped holding kedges engaging over the .upper edge of the lower fuse ferrules the jaw members 52 being mounted upon' a supporting block 53 and being adjustable longitudinally thereof by means of a wing nut 54 threading onto a stud projecting through a slot in the jaw. Thus, the jaw members may be set for any desired size or shape of fuse ferrule, and are adapted to hold the fuse in position against the tension of the cable member 23 effected by the .counterweight 28.

', from the fuse tube 49, and the tube has been raised upwardly by means of the tension in the I member 28, this tension drawing the tube out- Vat the projecting end of theV stem member. will be noted that the gas jets 68 are provided Von both sides of the vertically extending chanwardly from the loosened ferrule. o

Disposed outside of and parallel to the raised boss portion 9 of the plate member 1 are a plurality of extending valve housings indicated generally by the numeral 55. Each of these hous- Yings 55 is provided with an inlet port 60, which rwardly through suitable openings in the bench member 5, and interiorly of the supporting legs 6 of the fuse removal apparatus, and upwardly into the plate 1, providing for passage of fuel from the supply conduit 6| into the valve housings 55.`

Each of the valve housings 55 is provided with a rotatable valve plug stem indicated at 53, which is provided with anaxially extending recessed portion 65 having communication through thev hollowed collar 6E with a Venturi jet 61 which .enters into and supports the jet tip 68 having the slotted end 59 through wihich the flame. indicated at 10, is adapted to be projectcd. The valve stems or plugs 63 are preferably tapered, and are held in tight engagement with the housing 55 by means of the spring Vmembers 1l, `which are tensioned between the side wall of the housing and a washer carried It nels i 5, and are adapted to be supplied with fuel through similar means.

Each of the inlet openings 60 is provided with a small by-pass opening 13 which is directed toward the smaller end of the valve stem 63.

The icy-pass 13 is adapted to conduct a small quantity of fuel to a valve port formed in the small end of the valve plug 63, and which port communicates through the channel 65 with the interior of the Venturi tip 61. This is forfthe purpose of maintaining a small pilot flame at the jet tip regardless of the position of the burner, so that it will not be necessary to reignite the fuel each timethe heatingmeans is to be used. Also, a second fuel passage 14 of larger area is provided, which communicates directly with the channel or bore 65, and is adapted to allow fuel from the branch pipes 62,

53 and 54 to enter the channel 65 and be conducted to the jet tip 69, this larger quantity of fuel serving as the heating means for fusing the alloy in the ferrule.

Considering Figure 1, it will be noted that the left hand and middle jets of the heating means are in lowered position, in which position heat is being applied to the ferrule, and consequently the by-pass 13 is not in use, While the main port opening 14 is connected directly to the channel 65 for the purpose of supplying a relatively large quantity of fuel to the tip. In the right hand fuse `holding device, the heating meansis in raised position, and consequently the port 1d is closed, since the stem 63 has been rotated by raising of the tip, and the small by-pass opening is connected to the channel 65 for the purpose of supplying the small maintenance name 10. It is thus apparent that rotation of the stem 63 serves to meter the fuel passing into the tip of the burner, since when the tip is in raised position, only a small quantity of fuel passes thereinto, While when the tip is lowered into operative position, the by-pass 14 is opened, and consequently a material quantity of fuel flows into the burner tip.

Considering now the operation and control for the heating means, it will be noted that the head portion of each of the plug members 63 is provided, exterior to the collar 66, with an oliset arm portion 15 which is secured thereto by means of suitable rivets or the like, and which is adapted to carry, at its inner end, a connecting arm or link 16 pivoted thereto, which link i6 is pivoted at its opposite end to a plunger member or control rod indicated generally at 11. The connecting link 1B may have a yoked end into which the end of the lever 15 is pinned, as shown in Figure l.

Each of the plunger members 11 is provided with a notched portion indicated at 18, which notched portions are adapted to be engaged by suitable locking bars 19 carried beneath the plate 1, and slidable with respect thereto Within the supports 80. The inner ends of the members 19 are beveled, as shown at 8i, and have friction engagement with a wedge-shaped member 82 slidable in the sleeve 33.- The wedge shaped member 82 is for the purpose of spreading the latching levers 19 apart, by the wedging action of the bevel surfaces Si with the surface of the member S2, again-st the tension of the spring members 84, for releasing their engagement with the notch 18 when the control rods 11 are in depressed position, as shown in Figure l.

Each of the rods 11 is provided with a collar 86, which is secured thereto, and forms an upper seat for a helically coiled spring member 81 which bears at its lower end against a iixed support 88 through which the control rod 'i1 extends. rIChus, when the burners 6a are forced downwardly into the position s--own in dotted lines in Figure 2, the rods 11 are depressed, due to the action of the arms 'I5 and 1S, and the latching levers 19 are adapted to engage in the notches 18 carried in the control rods 11. This serves to secure the rods in depressed position, as shown in the left hand and central heating means of Figure 1. Upon movement of the wedge shaped member 82 upwardly, the latching rods 19 are forced outwardly out of engagement with the notches 18, and the springs 81 thus force the control rods 11 upwardly, raising the burners 68, and thus removing the heating means from the fuse ferrule. At the same time,

the port V14 is closed and as the jets 69 are raised, only the small maintenance ame 10 is maintained at the tip of the jet.

Considering now the clamping means shown n Figures 1 and 2 as disposed about the cable 23, this clamping means comprises opposite disposed clamping jaws 90 and 9|, which are hinged together by the pin 92, and which are held in tight engagement with the cable 23 by means of the wing nut 93 threading on the stud 94 carried by the jaw 9|, the wing nut bearing against shoulder members 95 formed on the jaw 99. At the upper end of each clamping member is provided a Vresilient stop me1n: ber 96, which stop member serves to abut against the bar l1 when the clamp is raised to its uppermost position.

Disposed on the clamping jaw 90 is an oiset hook portion 91, which is adapted to receive a link of a chain member 98 extending downwardly along the side of the clamp and fuse 49, the chain 98 terminating in a link carried by the looped portion 99 of a rod |90 which carries the wedge member 82. ABy providing the link element 98 extending between the rod |00 and the pin 91, the tension can be adjusted, since any desired link can be hooked over the pin S1.

In the operation of the device, the fuse is first clamped in the-jaw 35, and the lower ferrule is engaged under'ithe holding jaws 52, the

jaws being spaced about the periphery of the glass fuse tube 49 directly over the upper edge of the ferrule 59 or5|. When the clamp and associated cable is in this position, the counterweight 28 exerts a tension on the cable 23, tending to raise the fuse tube 49, but is prevented from doing so by the vengagement of the holding yjaws 52 with the upper edge of the ferrule 5|. The clamp 90' is then placed in position upon the cable 23 to tension the chain 91 in such position that the rod |00 will be lowered. Inthis position, there is no wedging action of the member 82 tending to force the latching lever 19y outwardly. The jets 68 are then lowered in the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 2, thus increasing the fuel supply to the jet, and

f the flame is played about the outer periphery of movement of the tube.

vthe ferrules 50 or`5l, in the mannerr shown.

As the jets are depressed, the spring tension onthe latching lever 19 forces them into engagement with the notches 18 inthe control rods 11, holding the jets in lowered position.

As the alloy between the ferrule and the glass tube begins to lose its grip upon the glass tube, rthe tension on the cable 23 raises the fuse tube 99 from the ferrule, the clamp 90, with the stopper member 96, serving. to limit upward This upward movement of the tube results in upward movement of the clamp, and consequently upward move-r ment of the chain 98. The chain 98 thereupon draws the member |00 upwardly, drawing the wedge shaped disengaging member 32 upwardly to force the latching members 19 outwardly to releasethe control rods 11. The springs 81 'then force the rods 11 upwardly to return the the operation is repeated.

It is thus apparent that the heating means is automatically released the moment the alloy between the ferrule and the fuse tube begins to soften, thus preventing overheating of the ferrule, and allowing the annular body of alloy to be broken and removed in large pieces, due

to the fact that it has not been reduced to av molten condition. This eliminates the necessity of remachining the inner surfaces of the ferrules, and thus substantially eliminates scrapping of oversize ferrules. At the same time, the alloy removed can be saved and used for new fuses.

Also, since the action of the heating means is automatic, it is not necessary that the attendant devote his attention thereto, but he may be engaged in either cleaning the removed ferrules, selecting additional fuses to be placed in the device, or collecting and storing the alloy removed during the heating process. The clamping member 35 is adapted to have sufcient frictional engagement with the glass tube 49 so that it will serve to impart the tension of the counter- Wight 28 to the tube, thus tending to release the tube the instant the alloy loses its grip upon the tube. The clamping member is easily operated, and may be quickly applied to and removed from a particular fuse tube. The setting of the clamp members Si) can be facilitated by the use of the Ywing nut 93, and, when all of the fuse holding on the market.

Decided economy is effected, therefore, both in the operation of the device, and also in the substantial saving of fuel due to the automatic operation of the heating means. While the invention is disclosed in a relatively simple embodiment, having few working part-s, it is entirely operative, and will perform the functions and produce the advantages set forth. It is apparent that various modifications and changes both in structural features and in specific details of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

I do not intend, therefore, to be limited to the specific embodiment shown and described, but only insofar as defined by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. The method of removing a plurality of fuse ferrules from a corresponding plurality of fuse tubes which comprises placing said tubes under tension with the ferrules thereof fixed in position, applying heat to said ferrules, and simultaneously discontinuing the application of said heat as the ferrules are released from said tubes.

2. The method of removing a ferrule from a fuse which comprises engaging said ferrule in fixed position, applying tension to the fuse tending to withdraw the fuse from the ferrule, heating the outer surface of said ferrule, and discontinuing the application of heat to said ferrule simultaneously with the withdrawal of said fuse tube therefrom.

3. In a device of the class described, means for locking a fuse in predetermined position comprising clamping jaws engaging the lower ferrule of the fuse and tension means engaging the tube of the fuse tending to draw said tube away from said clamping jaws, means for applying heat to said ferrule, and means controlled by said tension means for releasing said heat applying means upon movement of said tubeY away from said ferrule.

4. In a 'device of the class described, means for locking a fuse in predetermined position l comprising clamping jaws engaging the lower .y ferruleof the fuse and tension means engaging the tube of the fuse tending to draw said tube away from said clamping jawspmeans for applying heat to said ferrule comprising opposed jets pivotally mounted to be swung into operative position, and means controlled by said tension means for releasing said -heat applying means upon movement of said tube away from 'f said ferrule.

5. In combination with a device for holding a fuse tube and associated ferrule in fixed position, a gas jet for applying heat to said ferrule to release the fuse tube therefrom, and meansactuated by release of said fuse tube for substantially reducing the supply of gas to said n jet.

6.y In combination with -a-device for holding a fuse tube and associated ferrule -in fixed Vposition, Va pivotally mounted-gas jet normally directed away from said'ferrule, and means for vlocking said jet in heat applying position, `move- 'of saidjet is varied.

8. In combination, in a ferrule removing device having ferrule clampingA means and means tending towithdraw the fuse tube from said ferrule, a'pivotally mounted gas jet, means for locking said jet in position to apply heat to said ferrule, and means for swinging said jet into'a position away from said ferrule, said last named means preventing said .jet from `being disposed in any intermediate position.

- 9. In a device of the class described, means for securing a fuse tube and ferrule in predetermined position comprising adjustable clamp- `ing jaws engaging over the upper edge of said ferrule, and tension means frictionally engaged about said fuse tube and tending to draw said tube away from said fer-rule, means for applying yheat to said ferrule, said heat applying means being pivotally mounted to swing toward and away from said ferrule, and automatic valve means for increasing the intensity of said heating means when moved into operative positionL toward said ferrule.

10. In a device of the class described, an open framewo1k,pulley means disposed on the top of said framework, tension means trained over said pulleymeans and having a-weight secured to one end thereof, anda clamp carried at they kother endthereof and adapted to engage a fuse tube, means at the base of said framework for clamping -a ferrule of said tube thereto, said tension means tending to rdraw said tube from saidferrule, and heating means controlled by said tensionk means for heating said ferrule.

11. In a device o1" the class described, means for tensioning a fuse tube in predetermined position, means for clamping a ferrule of said tube in iixed position, a pai-r of opposed jets "for directing a flame Aupon said ferrule, said jets be- -ing pivoted to swing about an axis, means for locking said jets against spring tension in flame directing position, and means for releasing said locking means upon movement of said fuse tube away from said ferrule. l l

` 12,'In a device of the class described, means for clamping a fuse ferrule in fixed position, tension means engaging a fuse tube sealed in said ierrule, means comprising a pair of pivot- -ally mounted jets for heating said ferrule, lspring means tending to force said jets away from said ferrule, locking means for holding vsaid jets in heat-applying position adjacent said fei'rule, and means operated by -said tension means for releasing said locking means upon movement of 'said fuse tube away from said ferrule.

13. In a device of the class described, means for clamping a fuse ferrule in iixed position, means tending to withdraw a sealed-fuse tube from said ferrule, a 'pivotally mounted jet for applying heat to said ferrule, means for locking said jet in heat-applying position, means actuated by movement of said tension means for releasing saidjet, and means actuated upon re- `-lease of said jet for reducing the intensity of the heat supplied thereby.

14. In combination, infa device'for removing s ferrules from fuse tubes, clamping means for securing said ferrule in iixed position, said means being adjustable to accommodate various sizes of ferrules, a friction member engaging the upper end of said fuse tube, means for applying varying degrees of tension to said lfriction member tending to draw said tube from said ferrule, and automatically disengageable means for applying heat to said ferrule.

15. In combination, a framework, means for clamping a fuse -ferrule to said framework, a clamp for engaging the fuse tube sealed in said ferrule, a pair of pulleys mounted on said framework, a cable trained over said pulleys and se- -cured at one end to said clamp, a weight at the other end of said cable for tensioning the cable, means clamped to said cable adjacent said clamp and adjustable axially of said cable, said means serving as a stop for limiting upward movement of said fuse tube upon release from said ferrule, and automatically disengageable means for applying heat to said ferrule.

- 16. The combination with al device for removing fuse ferrules from fuse tubes, of a pivotally mounted gas jet, an arm carried by said jet and movable therewith, a control rod linked to said arm, latching means for holding said rod in lowermost position, spring means encircling said rod for urging said rod to raised position, and means actuated by withdrawal of said tube from said ferrule for releasing said latching means.

17. The combination with a device for removing fuse ferrules from fuse tubes, of a gas jet, a valve stem therefor having rotatable movement within a valve housing, a hollow bore extending through said stem and into said jet, rotation of said stem rotating said jet toward and away from said ferrule, a plurality of fuel passages of varying size in said housing having a common fuel inlet, rotation of said stem selectively placing each of said passages into communication with said bore to vary the intensity of the ame produced at said jet, and means for normally urging said jet away from said ferrule.

18. The combination with a device for removing f use ferrules from a fuse tube including means for applying heat to said ferrules and meansfor moving said heat-applying means toward and away from said ferrules, of a clamp engaging said fuse tube and having Weighted cable means tending to draw said tube out of said ferrule, a second clamp secured to said cable means above said rst clamp and adjustable with respect thereto, a pin carried on said second clamp, a latching bar for holding said heat-applying means in position directed toward said ferrule, a latch-releasing member, and adjustable means carried by said pin and engaging said latch-releasing lmember for actuating said member upon movement of said tube out of said ferrule.

19. The method of removing a ferrule member from a body member to which it is secured vbyfusible material, which comprises tensioning the body member and the ferrule member away from each other, applying heat to the ferrule member, and discontinuing the application of heat to said ferrule member simultaneously with the separation of the body member and the ferrule member.

20. In a device for separating a fuse tube from ka ferrule where the ferrule is held upon the end of the tube by a fusible seal, the combination of means for holding the ferrule in relatively fixedk position, means for applying heat to the ferrule, and movable retractng means attached tothe remote end of the tube for applying a predetermined tension upon the bond between the tube andthe alloy to move the lower end of the tube out of the influence of the heating means as soon as the bond yields to said predetermined tension.

21. In a device for separating a fuse tube `from a ferrule where the ferrule is held upon the end of the tube by a fusible seal, the combination of a pair of adjustable jaw members for holding said ferrule in xed position, means for 'f applying heat to said ferrule, tensioning means tending to separate said tube and said ferrule, and adjustable means carried by said tensioning meansy for discontinuingthe application of heat tosaid ferrule upon separation of said tube and f ferrule.

said ferrule including means for controlling the movement of said heat applying means away from said ferrule.

523. In a device of the class described for removing a ferrule from aA tube, means movable into position for applying heat to said ferrule, means tending to separate said tube and said rferrule, and means operable upon separation of said tube and ferrule to move said heat applying means out of heat applying position.

24. Heat applying means for removing a fern rule from a body member comprising a pivotally mounted jet member, fuel supply means therefor, releasable means for holding said heat applying means in operative position, and means `for'forcng said jet member into inoperative y, position when said releasable means is actuated.

25. Means for applying heat to a fuse ferrule comprising a pivotally mounted jet member having a fuel supply therefor, means for holding said jet member in operative position, means for returning said member to inoperative position, and means for simultaneously diminishing the fuel supply thereto as said jet member is moved to inoperative position.

26. In a device for separating a fuse tube and a ferrule sealed thereupon, the combination of, a pair of opposed jet members adjacent said ferrule, fuel supply means therefor including pivots for said members, means operable upon movement of said jet members about said pivots for increasing or decreasing the fuel supplied thereto, arms carried by said members, locking means for holding said arms in predetermined position to direct said jet members toward said ferrule, and means operable upon separation of said fuse and said ferrule for releasing said jet members from said predetermined position.

27. In a device for separating a fuse tube and a ferrule sealed thereupon, the combination of, means for holding said ferrule in fixed position, and means tending to separate said fuse tube therefrom comprising a weighted member, a clamping member, and a connection therebetween, said clamping member including a pair of jaws engaging said tube and having resilient locking means for holding said jaws in engagement with said tube.

28. In a device for separating a fuse tube and a ferrule sealed thereupon, the combination of, means for holding said ferrule in xed position, means for applying heat to said ferrule, means tending to separate -said fuse tube and said ferrule including a tension member having clamping means engaging said tube, and means carried by said tension member for removing said heat applying means from said ferrule simultaneously with withdrawal of said tube therefrom.

29. In a device for separating a fuse tube and a ferrule sealed thereupon, the combination of,

-means f or securing said ferrule in fixed position, means for applying heat to the surface of said ferrule, tensioning means for separating said tube and said ferrule, cushioning means for limiting the movement of said tensioning means, and means operable during withdrawal of said tube for simultaneously discontinuing the application of heat to said ferrule.

30. In a device of the class described for separating a fuse tube from a ferrule sealed thereupon, the combination of means for holding said ferrule in fixed position, means for applying heat to said ferrule including a jet member having a normally extending pivot, a bearing for said pivot, fuel supply means leading to said bearing, means for supplying fuel at a predetermined rate to said jet member through said pivot when said member is in one position, and means for supplying fuel at a second predetermined rate to said member upon movement of said member to a second position.

31. The method of unsealing an annular metallic seal between a vitreous body and a metallic member, which comprises putting the parts under a stress tending to separate them, and heating the seal through the metallic member kto a temperature below the melting point of the seal to cause it to lose its effective grip upon one of the parts, and then separating the parts.

32. The method of unsealing an annular metallic seal between a vitreous body and a metallic member, which comprises putting the parts under a stress tending to separate them, then heating the seal through the metallic member to cause it to lose its grip upon the vitreous body, withdrawing the vitreous body from the seal, and thereafter separating the metallic seal in solid form from the ferrule.

33. The method of separating a ferrule sealed to a fuse tube by a body of fusible sealing material 'which grips but does not bond to the surface of the tube, which comprises maintain-` ing a. predetermined tension between the tube and the ferrule, applying heat to the ferrule by said heat expanding the fenule and causing the sealing material to relax its grip upon the tube, moving the tube out of the sealing material and away from the inuence of the applied heat and discontinuing heating before the sealing material becomes fully melted.

EDWARD MONTAGUE. 

